### Chapter 333: The Theft of Spirit Wine Case
To celebrate Yun Zhonghe’s recovery, the five of them decided to treat themselves to a nice feast at a fancy restaurant in town. They wanted to stuff their faces with good food and soothe the fatigue and tension they had built up during their adventures. After they were done stuffing their bellies and downing the last drops of wine, they planned to head back to Xuantian Sect.
However, before gorging on their delicious feast, they had a rather crucial matter to handle first: applying for travel permits from the local Immortal Alliance branch in Tianhai City.
Although the injuries in Tianhai City had subsided, follow-up treatments, healing the injured, and a thorough investigation were still ongoing with much urgency.
Hence, to maintain order and safety, it was crucial to keep the city under strict surveillance. Without permission from the Immortal Alliance, no one could leave the city by piloting a Spirit Boat.
For Yun Zhonghe and his companions, things were even more complicated. They were significant figures linked directly to the incident in Tianhai City and had to cooperate with the Alliance’s investigation. In theory, they weren’t supposed to leave the city until the investigation concluded.
So, they decided to visit the Alliance branch and explain their situation. If everything lined up in their favor—the investigation was over and they didn’t need to be questioned anymore—they hoped to return to their sect as soon as possible. They hadn’t asked for long leave after all.
Furthermore…
Staying too long in Tianhai City wasn’t exactly ideal either. Especially because Chen Leling was hiding away in a storage ring. Nobody could be certain that the Alliance wouldn’t use some special tech to track her down.
When dealing with matters related to demon cultivators, the Alliance never messed around. Even though Yun Zhonghe had pretty decent connections within the Alliance, they hadn’t tried to cut them any slack.
Thus, it was time to make a run for it.
Yun Zhonghe’s sickroom was already under Alliance management, so applying for the permit would be relatively smooth. All they had to do was go to the grand hall next door.
As they stepped into the branch hall, Yun Zhonghe saw an old acquaintance, the Nourish Gang’s Li Zongzhu—Master Qin Wushuang’s romantic partner and Qin Hongye’s mother.
Yun Zhonghe met two Immortal Alliance members from Cangzhou before while he was convalescing, so it wasn’t a surprise that Li Zongzhu was there as well, although he hadn’t expected it quite yet.
Both Qin Hongye and Li Zongzhu were quite similar in looks, and Qin Hongye shared many traits with her mom.
Particularly that refined yet otherworldly vibe they exuded, almost like they were cloned!
Qin Hongye had striking red hair that made her pop in a crowd. Li Zongzhu wore a deep red cloak, with her hair neatly coiled up, giving her an extremely professional aura.
Being the partner of Qin Wushuang shouldn’t undermine her capabilities; indeed, Li Zongzhu had established her own reputation and was a legitimate powerhouse.
Cloud Nine knew firsthand; he had lived in Cangzhou for sixteen years without ever knowing about the connection between Li Zongzhu and Qin Zongzhu.
Qin Hongye likely inherited this self-reliant trait from her mom.
From what Cloud Nine heard, Li Zongzhu and his mother were also senior sisters, a close relationship. Plus, given the deep bond between his father and Qin Zongzhu, their families were closely knit.
Upon seeing Li Zongzhu, Yun Zhonghe promptly greeted her without hesitation.
Li Zongzhu seemed unperturbed by Yun Zhonghe’s visit. She already knew about his injury and treatment but had been unable to visit due to numerous duties.
Even now, several anxious subordinates surrounded her, each holding reports, speaking non-stop about various situations.
These words flowed into a constant stream, weaving together like a roaring river. Yun Zhonghe felt dizzy just watching. If anyone had forced him to listen, he would have certainly missed critical details. But Li Zongzhu appeared utterly in her element and even directed everyone to multitask more efficiently.
This case in Tianhai City was certainly huge. The fact that an entire demon family could stay hidden for so long, even shocking higher-ups and bringing regional overseers rushing here, highlighted its gravity.
On top of this, rumors of someone capable of manipulating the laws of the Dao being among the demons made this a top priority for the Alliance.
Li Zongzhu went over every single detail—big or small—to ensure she was fully informed. Even reports of the spirit wine being stolen at the brothel came up in her briefing.
Wait, even if they were demons…stealing spirit wine? That seemed a bit over the top.
It didn’t quite seem connected to the Tianhai City incident at first glance.
After Li Zongzhu finished fielding endless reports, she finally had some time to chat with Yun Zhonghe and company.
She briefly welcomed them and praised Yun Zhonghe, noting how much he had matured and improved—evidently, he had been practicing diligently at Xuantian Sect.
Once the pleasantries were over, Yun Zhonghe finally found the courage to bring up the real reason for his visit.
Li Zongzhu, known for her fair approach, told Yun Zhonghe straight that they couldn’t leave until any required investigations wrapped up. However, if those tasks were complete, the subordinates could finish what needed to be done.
Fortunately, after asking some questions, Li Zongzhu’s assistant confirmed that their parts were done, and thus she approved their departure. Yet before agreeing, she reminded them, “But remember, this is serious. The Acting Alliance Leader is involved. So if they need to question you further, we’ll reach out to the Xuantian Mansion’s branch. Understand?”
“Acting Alliance Leader?”
A white-haired girl with celestial-like beauty entered Yun Zhonghe’s mind, whom he had seen outside the Myriad Path Divine Tower.
A rumored daughter of the First Generation Alliance Master.
Whenever Yun Zhonghe thought of her, emotions stirred, and his expression became distant.
Beside him, Mu Jixue caught on to his weirdness instantly. Her eyes flashed with annoyance. She grabbed his side and squeezed hard!
“Ouch—!!”
Yun Zhonghe jumped, then turned to Mu Jixue, bewildered.
Did he offend her in some way?
They seemed so close yesterday. Was he imagining things?
Yun Zhonghe, puzzled by her sudden aggression, felt as if he’d reverted to their initial meet.
Mu Jixue probably recalled how Yun Zhonghe had stared dreamily at Mo Xiangsi back at the Myriad Path Divine Tower. His soul had clearly wandered off.
She vividly remembered this.
Sigh…
After some talking, they finally managed to get their travel permit.
Farewelling Li Zongzhu, they headed to the restaurant, planning to unwind.
Tianhai City, free of monster threats, buzzed with energy and noise.
People celebrated their newfound peace. Everyone seemed happier than ever.
Inside the restaurant, tables filled up quickly. Previously scared citizens were now indulging in food they’d missed out on.
Even the private rooms were booked, so they had to sit at the main hall.
As they settled in, discussions about Tianhai’s events echoed around. Occasionally, complaints surfaced, but mostly everyone was joyfully optimistic.
At that moment, Yun Zhonghe overheard people behind them discussing the stolen spirit wine.
This incident happened not long ago. Yun Zhonghe calculated the timeline, realizing he was fighting the Disaster Empress and just admitted to the infirmary when it occurred.
“I heard the Alliance just closed the case. Investigation pointed towards demonic involvement.”
“You mean real or fake… Demons wouldn’t stoop to stealing spirit wine, right? Maybe they framed them since they couldn’t find clues.”
“Pfff, who knows what demons do? They’d even rob an eighty-year-old granny; what’s stealing some spirit wine?”
“What?! That’s insane!”
“Of course, nothing is too outrageous for demons.”
Yun Zhonghe’s head spun. Remembering this morning’s Alliance staff knocking on his door about the spirit wine theft…
He suddenly recalled waking up post-combat—Xing Bu seemed inebriated, hiccupping heavily.
Could it have been her?
Not sure, but the timing raised suspicion. He needed evidence, though. Nothing conclusive.
Oh well, the Alliance had closed the case anyway.
But where was Xing Bu? He hadn’t spotted her since morning.
Ah, screw it.
